Clinical Research Directory

The Effect of Diathermy Therapy on Isolated Lumbar Extension (ILEX) Training

To evaluate the effectiveness of the Isolated Back Extension (ILEX) machine Myosom and examine the influence of preheating on resistance training, the investigators will recruit a cohort of 14 healthy individuals, including both male and female participants, who have no prior experience with ILEX training, for a 9-week training program consisting of a total of 18 sessions. Baseline (BL) measurements will be conducted in the week before the initiation of training, and two follow-up measurements (F/U 1 and F/U 2) carried out after the ninth and eighteenth sessions, with a minimum break of 48 hours after the last training session to ensure proper recovery and to prevent inaccuracies in muscle thickness measurement arising due to acute oedema.

Effects of Three Carbohydrate Beverages on Resistance Training Performance

This randomized, triple-blinded, counterbalanced crossover trial compared three carbohydrate beverages that provided the same amount of carbohydrate (30 g) but differed in carbohydrate source: dextrose, maltodextrin, and highly branched cyclic dextrin (HBCD). Resistance-trained adults completed a familiarization session, a one-repetition maximum (1RM) testing session, and three experimental sessions separated by at least 7 days. In each experimental session, participants ingested one of the beverages in three 10-g servings and performed five sets of up to 15 repetitions at 62.5% of 1RM in the squat, bench press, and bench pull. Mechanical performance, blood glucose and lactate, perceived exertion, and gastrointestinal symptoms were assessed during or immediately after exercise; perceived recovery and muscle soreness at 24 and 48 hours; and serum creatine kinase and cortisol at 48 hours.

Remotely Delivered Resistance Training for Cardiometabolic Health Among Black Women

The purpose of this study is to collect preliminary data on the feasibility, acceptability, and potential effects of a novel, remotely delivered resistance training program.

Effects of Resistance Training on Recovery During Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

This study investigates whether a resistance training program can help patients recovering from hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for hematologic malignancies. HSCT is a vital treatment, but it comes with a high risk of severe complications. These include opportunistic infections caused by low white blood cell counts (neutropenia) and acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD), where donor cells attack the patient's body. Additionally, more than half of patients suffered from severe cancer-related fatigue during or after transplantation, which significantly lowers their quality of life. Currently, treatments for these complications rely almost entirely on medication. The purpose of this study is to see if an 8-week elastic band resistance training program can speed up blood cell recovery, reduce the severity of aGVHD, shorten hospital stays, and alleviate cancer-related fatigue. A total of 86 patients preparing for HSCT at Taipei Veterans General Hospital will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: 1. The Resistance Training Group (43 patients): Participants will perform 45-minute elastic band exercises three times a week, starting four weeks before their transplant and continuing until four weeks after. 2. The Control Group (43 patients): Participants will receive standard routine care. The study will compare the two groups by measuring how many days it takes for white blood cells to recover, the occurrence and severity of aGVHD, muscle strength (hand grip and lower limbs), fatigue levels, and the total length of hospital stays.

Low Load With Blood Flow Restriction for Improving Strength, Balance, and Cognition in Older Adults

This study aims to examine the effects of low load resistance exercise with a blood flow restriction cuff on muscle strength, balance, physical performance, depression, and cognitive function in community-dwelling older adults.

Flywheel Resistance Training and Traditional Resistance Training in Older Women With Sedentary Behaviors

There are easily accessible and safe strategies, such as resistance training, that can contribute to reducing depressive symptoms and preserving physical and executive function in older women. Resistance training is defined as exercises performed either in water or on land, involving the use of a constant load or uniform weight, regardless of the training program. Various types of resistance training equipment are available, including free weights, pneumatic resistance machines, elastic bands, or even body weight. Specifically, eccentric muscle action occurs when the force applied to the muscle exceeds the momentary force produced by the muscle itself, resulting in the forced elongation of the muscle-tendon system during contraction. To date, evidence from randomized clinical trials has compared the effectiveness of aerobic, resistance, and Pilates exercises in reducing depressive symptoms and improving physical and executive function in older women. While experimental studies have demonstrated the efficacy of physical exercise, the effect of long-term eccentrically reinforced resistance training on depressive symptoms, physical function, and executive function in sedentary older women remains unclear. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the safety and effect of eccentrically reinforced resistance exercise versus traditional resistance training on depressive symptoms, physical and executive function, quality of life, different manifestations of muscle strength, body composition, vital signs, abdominal circumference, fall risk, and fatigue symptoms in sedentary older women over a 9-month period.

Effects of Resistance-Based Multicomponent Training Incorporating Respiratory Exercise on Diaphragm Thickness, Hepatic Attenuation, and Quality of Life in Healthy Older Men: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of a four-week moderate-intensity resistance training program on diaphragm thickness, hepatic fat density, and health-related quality of life in healthy community-dwelling older men aged 60-75 years. Thirty participants were randomly assigned to a resistance training group or control group. Diaphragm thickness and hepatic attenuation were assessed using non-contrast computed tomography, and quality of life was evaluated using the SF-12 questionnaire. The primary outcome was change in diaphragm thickness. Secondary exploratory outcomes included hepatic fat density and SF-12 physical and mental health scores.

TRX Training Intensity in Male Adolescent Basketball Players

This randomized interventional study aims to compare the effects of low-, moderate-, and high-intensity TRX suspension training on physical performance in male adolescent basketball players. Forty-two athletes aged 15 to 17 years are assigned to one of three TRX training intensity groups and complete an 8-week supervised training program in addition to their regular basketball practice. Outcomes are assessed before and after the intervention and include agility, dual-task agility, balance, upper-extremity muscular endurance, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE). The study seeks to determine whether different TRX training intensities produce distinct adaptations in these performance outcomes and to provide evidence for optimizing suspension-training prescription in youth basketball players.

Effects of Weekly Set Volume on Muscle Adaptation

The progressive loss of strength and muscle mass is a natural aging process, with direct implications for functional capacity. Resistance training (RT) is considered the main intervention to counteract this decline. Although the RT guidelines are well established, the ideal weekly set volume to maximize strength and hypertrophy gains in older adults remains unknown. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of different volumes of weekly sets of RT on muscle strength and hypertrophy in older adults

Adaptive Response of Brain Towards Resistance Training in Healthy Individuals

The novelty of this study is to identify the mechanism of nervous system by applying resistance training intervention in healthy individuals.

Land vs. Water Exercises on Performance and Swimming Behavior in Older Adults

This study aims to investigate the effects of an 8-week combined land and aquatic exercise program (conducted 3 days per week) on physical performance, recreational swimming behaviors, and water-related risk perceptions in older adults. Physical performance is evaluated using handgrip strength and the 30-second chair sit-up test (30CST), while swimming behaviors and water-related risk perceptions are assessed via structured questionnaires.

Cluster Training in Female Volleyball Players

This study compares the effects of three different resistance training methods-traditional training, standard cluster training, and undulating cluster training-on strength, hormonal responses, and inflammation in female volleyball players aged 18-30 years. Thirty participants with at least two years of volleyball and resistance training experience were randomly assigned to one of three groups. All participants performed resistance training three times per week and volleyball-specific training two times per week for eight weeks. Blood samples were taken before and after the first session (acute response) and after eight weeks (chronic adaptation) to measure testosterone, cortisol, IGF-1, progesterone, and C-reactive protein (CRP). Performance tests included upper-body and lower-body strength (bench press and squat), speed, agility, and vertical jump. The main finding was that undulating cluster training produced significantly greater improvements in upper-body strength compared to standard cluster training, while all three methods were equally effective for lower-body strength and other performance measures. No significant differences were found between groups for hormonal or inflammatory changes. The study provides practical guidance for coaches seeking to optimize upper-body strength gains in female volleyball players.

Effects of Unstable Core Training on Sport Performance Among Kayakers

A randomized controlled trial was conducted, recruiting 24 eligible kayakers aged 14-22 years from the Jiangxi training base, China. Participants were randomly assigned to the SUCT group and the DUCT group. Both groups completed a 12-week unstable core training program consisting of 1-hour sessions, 3 times/week. Balance ability was assessed using the flamingo balance test and star excursion balance test. Trunk muscle strength was assessed using the abdomen, back, side bridge tests, sit-up, back extension, and trunk rotation tests. Paddling performance was evaluated using the average stroke power and stroke rate for the men's K-1 200m land ergometer sprint tests.

HME Amino Acid Supplementation for Strength, Performance, and Recovery in Trained Adult Males

This pilot randomized controlled trial evaluates HME (Human Muscle Equivalent), a free-form amino acid supplement formulated to match the amino acid composition of human skeletal muscle, taken at its Health Canada licensed dose (3 g powder plus one 50 mg slow-release beta-alanine capsule daily). Trained adult males (competitive athletes or certified fitness professionals) are randomized to HME or an identical-appearing placebo for 10 weeks: a 2-week supplement-only lead-in followed by 8 weeks of supplement plus supervised resistance training. The primary aim is to estimate the effect of HME on composite maximal strength (1-repetition maximum leg press plus chest press) compared with placebo. Secondary measures include isometric knee-extension strength, countermovement jump height, and subjective recovery.

Stronger: Muscle Strengthening for Menopause

Menopause is a period of time with increased risk for muscle and bone loss. Very few people strength train regularly at least 2 times per week, and commonly reported barriers include inadequate time and resources, worries of safety, inadequate knowledge base of what moves to do and how to do them. Menopause-aged women may report unique barriers - or perceived facilitators - to strength training. This pilot study will develop and test the feasibility and acceptability of an at-home, band-based, expert-supported strength training intervention.

Traditional Versus Cluster Resistance Training in Striking Combat Sport Athletes

This randomized controlled trial compared the effects of traditional and cluster resistance training on neuromuscular performance in amateur striking combat sport athletes. Twenty-eight athletes completed a 6-week full-body resistance training program including squat, bench press, deadlift, and bench pull exercises. Participants were assigned to either a traditional training group, which performed repetitions continuously, or a cluster training group, which incorporated short intra-set rest periods. Neuromuscular performance was assessed before and after the intervention through countermovement jump height, medicine-ball throw distance, and load-velocity relationship variables obtained from the four resistance exercises. The study aimed to determine whether cluster resistance training provides superior neuromuscular adaptations compared with traditional resistance training when training volume and relative intensity are matched.

Effects of Velocity-Based and Traditional Resistance Training on Performance in Trained Male Football Players

This study compared the effects of velocity-based resistance training (VBRT) and traditional resistance training (TRT) on physical performance, anaerobic capacity, and perceptual responses in trained male football players. Sixteen participants were randomly assigned to either a VBRT group or a TRT group and completed an 8-week resistance training program. The study aimed to determine whether VBRT provides greater improvements in explosive performance, anaerobic power, balance, football-specific performance, and fatigue-related perceptions compared with traditional percentage-based resistance training.

Prehabilitation With Resistance-exercise Training for Breast Cancer Neoadjuvant Therapy

Breast cancer stands as the foremost cause of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide, with the highest incidence of any cancer type. The choice of therapeutic interventions hinges upon factors like cancer stage, cell subtype, and tumor size. Consequently, individuals with more aggressive tumors, such as HER+2 and Triple Negative, or larger tumors often undergo neoadjuvant chemotherapy before breast surgery. However, these anticancer treatments come with side effects like cancer-related fatigue, reduced functional capacity, and changes in body composition, notably skeletal muscle atrophy. Skeletal muscle loss correlates with heightened mortality rates, cardiotoxicity, and diminished quality of life, underscoring the need for early therapeutic interventions. One such promising strategy is prehabilitation, which involves resistance-exercise training aimed at bolstering skeletal muscle mass from the outset of the disease, even preceding breast surgery. Resistance-exercise training has shown favorable effects on women undergoing adjuvant therapy or survivors of breast cancer, however, its molecular and clinical effects in women with breast cancer undergoing neoadjuvant therapy are unknown.

Effects of Dietary Supplementation With omega3-fatty Acids (Fish Oil) and Progressive Resistance Training on Skeletal Muscle Status in Gynaecological, Gastrointestinal and Urological Cancer Patients

Cancer cachexia is a common and prognostically relevant complication of advanced malignancies, characterized by systemic inflammation, increased catabolism, and reduced nutritional intake, leading to a progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass, physical performance, and quality of life. Muscle wasting negatively affects the tolerability and efficacy of oncological therapies and exacerbates distressing symptoms such as fatigue. Consequently, international guidelines recommend combined nutritional and exercise interventions as key components of supportive cancer care. However, due to treatment-related limitations, conventional exercise programs are often difficult to implement, highlighting the need for feasible, time-efficient, and individually adaptable training concepts suitable for daily life. In addition, adequate protein-rich nutrition is essential and may be supported by targeted nutritional supplementation. Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects and beneficial influences on nutritional status, quality of life, and potentially skeletal muscle mass. The aim of the present project is to investigate, in a randomized, placebo-controlled trial, whether the combination of progressive resistance training (twice-weekly TheraBand-based exercise) and omega-3 supplementation (daily intake of 2 g EPA and 1 g DHA administered as fish oil capsules) can improve muscle status, physical performance, and patient-relevant outcomes such as quality of life, appetite, and fatigue in cancer patients at high risk of developing cancer cachexia.

Unilateral vs Bilateral Isometric Training in Youth Soccer Players

This randomized controlled trial investigates the effects of unilateral and bilateral isometric strength training integrated into an 8-week complex training program on neuromuscular performance in elite youth soccer players. Forty-one male players competing at the national level will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: unilateral isometric training (UNI), bilateral isometric training (BI), or a control group performing the same training program without additional isometric exercises. All participants will complete a structured complex strength training program once per week for eight weeks during the competitive season. Neuromuscular performance will be assessed before and after the intervention using countermovement jump height, broad jump distance, maximal isometric squat peak force and 30-m sprint time. The aim of the study is to determine whether the mode of isometric training (unilateral vs bilateral) influences adaptations in strength, power and sprint performance in youth soccer players. An additional objective of the study is to determine whether the type of isometric training intervention influences inter-limb asymmetries in neuromuscular performance. Selected tests will therefore be performed both bilaterally and unilaterally to assess potential differences between dominant and non-dominant limbs.

Chest Press Variations and Pectoralis Major Mechanics

This randomized controlled study aims to compare the acute effects of bench press (BP) and machine chest press (MCP) exercises on the mechanical properties of the pectoralis major muscle in resistance-trained bodybuilders. Sixteen male athletes are randomly assigned to BP or MCP groups. Both groups perform four sets of ten repetitions at 80% of one-repetition maximum with equalized volume load. Muscle mechanical properties, including oscillation frequency, stiffness, decrement, relaxation time, and creep, are measured using MyotonPRO before and immediately after exercise. The study hypothesizes that BP will induce greater stiffness due to higher stabilization demands, whereas MCP will produce greater increases in oscillation frequency due to more isolated loading.

Group-based Resistance Training for Adults With Down Syndrome

The investigators are interested in Resistance Training as a physical exercise intervention for adults with Down syndrome. Resistance Training (or RT for short) is a popular form of physical exercise, which focuses on improving muscle strength and endurance using weighted or resistance-based exercises. RT can involve 'lifting weights', doing resistance band movements or performing bodyweight exercises. Researchers have developed a tailored programme of RT exercises (called RESID), which are suitable and safe to implement for individuals with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities. RT has been shown to help people improve thinking skills and overall quality of life. RT has been associated with better brain health in older adults with memory problems. The investigators want to run the RESID exercise programme with adults with Down syndrome who do not have memory problems but who the investigators know are at much greater risk of developing memory problems as they get older. The investigators are hoping this programme will support brain health and healthy ageing in adults with Down syndrome. The investigators want to see this programme can be successfully run with people with intellectual disabilities. The investigators want to see if participants enjoy this programme and engage well with it. The investigators want to see if there are any barriers to participating in this programme. The investigators also want to see how much it will cost to run this programme again in the future. The investigators also want to see if this programme helps these adults to feel better about themselves, to have better memory skills, to have better day-to-day skills, and to have better strength and mobility. The investigators will measure study outcomes using self-report scales, a memory assessment, strength test, mobility tests, blood pressure/heart rate test and by getting information from caregivers. The investigators will use the same measures with a similar group of adults who initially do not take part in this programme. They will be called our services as usual control group. During the first group, these adults will attend usual weekly services. However, they will be offered a place on a RT programme after the first experimental group have finished. The investigators will decide the order of who takes part in which initial group (Experimental or Control) by drawing names out of a hat so that it will be as fair as possible. However, all participants in this study will eventually take part in the RT programme. The investigators hope this study will tell us a lot about running a RT programme for people with intellectual disabilities. The investigators hope the results of this research study will show that adults with Down syndrome enjoy and engage well with this programme and that RT has benefits for adults with Down syndrome who do not memory problems. The investigators hope to show that RT can support the healthy ageing of adults with Down syndrome.

Mechanisms of Resistance Exercise Training for Improved Muscle Insulin Sensitivity

To uncover the underlying mechanisms of resistance exercise training benefits on glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity in muscle.

Evaluating the Feasibility and Preliminary Effects of BE+

This non-randomized, single group study will test a 12-week, behavioral intervention for physical activity and stress management for survivors of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and a partner (family member or friend). The goals of this intervention, Breathe Easier+ (BE+), are to increase overall physical activity and overall fitness and to reduce symptoms (fatigue, breathlessness, sleep, and stress). The aim of this study is to evaluate the enrollment, retention, adherence, participation, and acceptability of the 12-week BE+ among NSCLC survivors and their partners. The study also aims to: 1. Explore preliminary intervention effects of BE+ on increasing physical activity and overall fitness (measured by 7-day Fitbit wear, step-in-place test, chair sit-and-stand, arm curl test, and balance test) from baseline to post-intervention among NSCLC survivors and their partners. 2. Explore preliminary effects of BE+ for improvement in stress response, symptom burden (fatigue, dyspnea), sleep, and HRQL from baseline to post-intervention among NSCLC survivors and their partners. Participants will receive education, social support, coaching, a guided walking program, supervised resistance training (RT), and meditations delivered via digital technology (tablet, smartphone, and Fitbit).